Savages Quote by Claire Prentice
““There is nothing edifying or educational enough in these exhibitions to atone for their evil effects upon the poor savages who are supposed to be the nation’s wards, not its playthings.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Critique of 19th‑century ethnographic exhibitions, 1880s
The displays exploit marginalized peoples for entertainment, causing harm that outweighs any educational value.
In simple terms: Exhibitions harm the poor while claiming to educate.
Key Takeaway
Reject exploitative displays; support respectful representation.
Themes
ethics
colonialism
representation
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
ethical
advocacy
When to use this quote
- museum curation
- education policy
- public awareness campaigns
Key Concepts
cultural exploitation
human dignity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we educate without exploiting?
- What responsibilities do curators have?
A Different Perspective
Such exhibitions sometimes raise awareness but can still perpetuate stereotypes.
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
